Hackney Council’s Cabinet will be asked on Monday to approve a consultation on new proposals to introduce motorcycle parking permits in the borough, aimed at reducing short journeys and tackling London’s poor air quality, which causes over 10,000 premature deaths every year. 

The proposals would see resident permits introduced for motorcycles, which would charge them in line with cars with similar emissions, working out at around £5 a month or less for most motorcycle riders. 

As with cars, visiting motorcycle riders would also have to apply for a visitor permit if parking in resident permit holder bays. This would discourage short journeys, and encourage riders to use public transport for their journeys instead. 

Motorcycles would continue to be charged at current rates if they park in pay and display bays. 

As part of the proposals, the Council would install 380 lockable motorcycle parking hoops across the borough, which will improve motorcycle security, a longstanding concern for riders in London. 

Seven of the 11 other inner London boroughs already charge motorcycle riders for permits.

Aled Richards, Director of Public Realm, said: “We’re committed to tackling air pollution, which causes 10,000 premature deaths every year in London. Motorcycles currently park free in resident bays in Hackney, despite polluting as much as some cars and being subject to less stringent emissions tests. We’re proposing to consult local people and riders on introducing permits for motorcycles, which would charge motorcycles in line with cars with similar emissions - working out at around £5 a month for most motorcycle riders. This will encourage people to switch to less polluting and zero emissions motorcycles.

“As part of the proposals, we would also spend £152,000 on installing 380 lockable motorcycle hoops across the borough to improve motorcycle security, a longstanding concern for riders in London.”

Subject to approval by the Council’s Cabinet, the Council is set to consult on the proposals in February.